By Nick Novy/Cincinnati State Sports Information
Palos Hills, IL - Returning to competition after the extended holiday break, the Cincinnati State men's basketball team lost a close game on the road to South Suburban College 75-72 on Sunday.
Down by as many as 13 in the second half, Cincinnati State went to its full court press, creating turnovers and allowing the Surge to cut the deficit to 73-72 with 1:04 remaining and possession of the ball. South Suburban's Korbin McLain made perhaps the biggest play of the game, stealing the ball from Cincinnati State's Winston Grays which led to a South Suburban basket and a 75-72 lead. With 8.1 seconds left, the Surge had one last chance to attempt a game tying three but were unable to get a shot off when the South Suburban defense poked the ball away from guard Hugh Hobbs as time expired.
Leading the way for the South Suburban Bulldogs was Jalen Brown, who finished with 22 points and 6 rebounds. McLain finished with 14 points and 7 rebounds.
For Cincinnati State, Grays led all scorers with 24 points and finished with a game high 5 steals. Forward Chrisean Marsden recorded 16 points and 7 rebounds.
Cincinnati State, which entered the game ranked No. 1 in the NJCAA national poll, had its 7 game winning streak snapped, falling to 13-2 on the season.
No. 3 ranked South Suburban improved to 13-2 overall.
The Surge will return to action on Monday on the road against Olive-Harvey College at 3 pm.
For more information on Cincinnati State athletics, please visit - www.cincinnatistate.edu/on-campus/athletics
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